In last spring's issue, we took you to the Far East, specifically to China, one of the world's burgeoning economies. This time we travel to the African continent, where Robinson is working in nations whose people are inspired by history and driven by an unfaltering will to succeed.
The Robinson College is assisting Africans realize their potential through a series of programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In this issue, you'll go behind the scenes of the Ronald Brown Institute for Sub-Saharan Africa, where we team with the highly ranked University of Pretoria to provide a broad mix of programs teaching Africans basic and advanced business principles. You'll read about the success of our programs in entrepreneurship, information technology and hospitality at South Africa's University of Venda. You'll also see how Robinson is spearheading the Tourism Capacity Development Initiative in Ghana to help that country - which is rich in human and natural resources - more fully benefit from its considerable tourism potential.
When many of us think Africa, former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young comes to mind. We are pleased to present his candid insights in this issue.
To offer more on the world's 10th largest economy - South Africa - The State of Business turned to Ron Gault, managing director of J.P. Morgan Chase's Johannesburg operation. A man once referred to as the most "influential black" in Africa, Gault gives his insights into the African economy and also talks of his company's efforts to foster black economic empowerment.
As always, Rajeev Dhawan monitors the pulse of the U.S. economy and provides an update on when he believes "real" recovery might take place. In addition, it's been a stellar quarter for Robinson in terms of national rankings and the hiring of key professors including Jim Copeland, the new Robinson Global Scholar and former CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. You can read about these developments in our In Brief and Faculty News features.
We thank those who spoke so favorably about our China issue, and we hope you enjoy our perspectives on Africa as well.
Sidney E. Harris
Dean
Sidney E. Harris
Dean
Robinson College of Business
